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/bəzwɛ̃/ FR
/bəzwẽ/ QC
Translation
need
Word origin
From Old French besoing, of Germanic (Frankish) origin, related to a root meaning 'care' or 'want'. It denotes a need or requirement.
- Origin
- Frankish
- Root
- *bisunnia
Grammar
Examples
J' ' .
I need an hour of quiet to finish this report.
' ' .
She doesn't need help to solve this problem.
-.
The dog needs to go out every afternoon.
Cette .
This plant needs a lot of light to grow.
Au , ' .
If need be, you can call me this evening.
J' .
I really need your help tomorrow morning.
s'emploie presque toujours dans la structure avoir besoin de + nom ou infinitif. Au négatif, la suppression de l'article est possible dans un registre soutenu : je n'ai besoin de rien. La locution si besoin (if needed, if necessary) est courante dans un contexte professionnel.
Au besoin (if need be) et en cas de besoin (if the need arises) sont des locutions légèrement plus formelles. Le verbe avoir besoin ne se construit jamais directement avec un pronom indirect : on dit j'ai besoin de toi et non je te besoin.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
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besoin: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "besoin" (need): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 3.